the white house. >> reporter: a new mood after many saw a new mitt romney last night. >> let's get back to medicare. the president said that the government can provide the service at lower cost, and without a profit. >> reporter: in control, assertive. presidential. while barack obama kept his eyes and his energy low. >> it's very rare that impressionistically stylistically there's such a clear triumph of one side over the other. >> reporter: at a rally in denver the president admitted he got surprised. >> when i got onto the stage, i met this very spirited fellow who claimed to be mitt romney. >> reporter: later today at a huge rally in wisconsin, the president charged romney changed what he said on spending and taxes. >> he may do a tap dance and two-step, but if you want to be president, then you owe the american people the truth. >> reporter: some felt mr. obama owed them a better debate. >> he looked like he was tired, drained. >> i think he didn't have the practice. >> you more worried obama might lose now? >> i don't know, not really. >> reporter: obama strategists hint the boss